When my wife, Annette, and I first moved to Flower Mound, we were interested in finding a church to attend. My brother, who had been living here for several years, introduced us to Ken and Pat Hodge, a couple who were parishioners at Lakeland Baptist Church in Lewisville.

Although I’m Catholic and Annette is Presbyterian, we decided to attend a Sunday service at Lakeland to determine if the Baptist model would work for us. After listening to a sermon by Pastor Ben Smith we knew we had found what we were looking for. His deep baritone voice resonated like claps of thunder through the large majestic chamber along Stemmons Freeway.

Dr. Ben Smith, or, Brother Ben, as we came to know him, hammered out his weekly sermons with an exciting and inspirational style that never failed to motivate the huge congregation. No one fell asleep when Brother Ben was at the lectern. Moreover, he wasn’t afraid to tackle some of the most sensitive issues of the era, often commenting on topics that other pastors shied away from.

He became such an inspiration for us that we looked forward eagerly to each Sunday morning, anticipating what the subject would be. Over the years we became good friends with Brother Ben and his marvelous wife Jean. About 9 years ago he moved his residence and his pastoral duties to another town. The following provides some info on Brother Ben from his website: fbclakedallas.com/dr-ben-smith/

As Pastor Emeritus at FBC Lake Dallas, Dr. Ben Smith provides leadership, teaching and guidance for the church. Ben was saved at the age of 8 and surrendered to preach at the age of 12. He was licensed and ordained to ministry by the First Baptist Church in Meadville, MS at the age of 16. Ben has a BA from Mississippi College in Bible and Religious Education, Masters in New Testament and Administration from Southwestern Theological Seminary. He earned a Doctor of Education from Southwestern Theological Seminary with a majors in Education Administration, Childhood Education and a minor in psychology. Brother Ben is the author of The Death Principal, and in addition to his work at FBC Lake Dallas he serves as an adjunct professor at Criswell College. He has three children and six grandchildren. Ben and his wife Jean live in Corinth, Texas.

Dr. Smith is the author of The Death Principle. He has been serving at FBC Lake Dallas since 2011. Brother Ben sat for a Zoom video interview to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected his ability to gather with his congregation, and other topics.

]]>Weir: Denton County Sheriff addresses COVID-19 in jailhttps://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2020/05/13/weir-denton-county-sheriff-addresses-covid-19-in-jail/
Wed, 13 May 2020 17:37:35 +0000https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/?p=46883When you think about the devastating impact the pandemic has had on people across the country involving social-distancing rules that keep us from gathering with more than a couple of people at a time, one wonders how the jail and prison systems are handling it. Although prisoners in jail cells are already involved in a ...

]]>When you think about the devastating impact the pandemic has had on people across the country involving social-distancing rules that keep us from gathering with more than a couple of people at a time, one wonders how the jail and prison systems are handling it. Although prisoners in jail cells are already involved in a type of distancing, it’s likely that they congregate during those times when food is served, and when allowed outside of the facility for exercise.

I asked Denton County Sheriff Tracy Murphree if he would speak to those issues in a video interview included below.

]]>Weir: Denton County provides grants to small businesseshttps://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2020/05/09/weir-denton-county-provides-grants-to-small-businesses/
Sat, 09 May 2020 21:32:36 +0000https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/?p=46802The Denton County Commissioners Court on Friday unveiled a new program, Denton County OPEN, that will provide $2.2 million in grants to small businesses affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information is available at dentoncounty.gov/open. In the video below Denton County Judge Andy Eads and County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell talk about the amount of grant money ...

]]>The Denton County Commissioners Court on Friday unveiled a new program, Denton County OPEN, that will provide $2.2 million in grants to small businesses affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information is available at dentoncounty.gov/open.

In the video below Denton County Judge Andy Eads and County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell talk about the amount of grant money available and how residents can apply for them.

Denton County Judge Andy Eads said, “Our Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Corporations are helping us to inform businesses across the county about this opportunity for $10,000 grants. I want to personally thank them for their assistance.

“I know these times are difficult as we are all dealing with COVID-19 in our own and individual ways. I know people want to reunite with their friends and their coworkers. And worship in their houses of worship and have fellowship there. I miss that as well.

“But I want to encourage you that we are Denton County Strong. We have gotten through many things together over the years. This county was incorporated and created in 1846 and we’ve been through a lot together.”

]]>Weir: ‘Making Space for Grace’https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2020/05/06/weir-making-space-for-grace/
Wed, 06 May 2020 18:16:33 +0000https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/?p=46714What would the world be like if we did not have clergymen to minister to those in need of spiritual guidance? I’ve always had the utmost respect for the lifelong commitment and dedication of people who serve their communities with religious instruction and the affirmation of moral principles. One such minister is Art McNeese, Spiritual ...

What would the world be like if we did not have clergymen to minister to those in need of spiritual guidance? I’ve always had the utmost respect for the lifelong commitment and dedication of people who serve their communities with religious instruction and the affirmation of moral principles. One such minister is Art McNeese, Spiritual Formation Minister of Bridgeway Church, 8201 FM407 in Copper Canyon. Minister McNeese recently wrote “Making Space for Grace,” subtitled: “A believer’s guide to living out grace.” I invited the author to come over for an interview. His partial biography appears below.

“Art McNeese holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Abilene Christian University. Art and his wife Holly planted BridgeWay Church in 2006, where Art now serves on the staff as the Spiritual Formation Minister. Art and Holly have two daughters. Haley is a nurse who will move to Samachique, Mexico, to serve the needs of the Tarahumara Indians. Hannah is a special needs adult who serves God in other ways. As one who desperately needs grace in all areas of his life, Art has a passion for sharing the miracle of God’s grace with others.”

SUMMARY OF BOOK: Too often, grace is treated as an afterthought, even though it is foundational. A proper understanding of grace is essential to our spiritual and emotional health. That’s why it’s crucial that we make space for grace.

In this inspiring book, Art McNeese explores how Christians can move from a theory of grace to living a life of grace. The author draws on his observations of thousands of people who could say the right things but who seemed to lack an internalized reality of grace to answer questions such as:

– How do you learn to experience grace in the deepest part of your soul?
– How do you move grace from your head to your heart?
– How can you practice a grace-filled life on a daily basis?
– How can you exchange perfectionism for peace?

From the foreword:

A Christianity that fails to make space for grace deters non-Christians from committing their lives to Christ. Some people refuse to believe because they consider themselves “good enough” to be saved. These individuals operate on the premise that achieving a relationship with God is based on a performance “scale.” They assume that their good works are more impressive than other people’s. Why would they need Christ? For other non-believers, the barrier is just the opposite— they reason that they could never be “good enough,” so they reject Christianity outright. After all, they can never chin the bar, so what’s the use in trying?

This is why, when I share my faith with other believers, I always begin with grace. Christians often need to be disabused of the notion that their relationship with God depends on their performance. Otherwise, they believe their walk with Christ is fragile and tenuous, and they can never truly be certain of their salvation. (Of course, other people need to be reminded of the demands of grace so they don’t presume on grace).

When I share my faith with non-believers, I also begin with grace. I’ve discovered that this concept disarms many would-be Christians. When it dawns on them that following Christ is not a matter of qualifying, but being qualified because of faith in Christ, a light comes on and they become more ready to become a disciple. In my experience, the single most common hurdle for non-Christians to overcome is their mistaken belief that to become a Christian, they have to “dot every i and cross every t” and live a perfect life. How sad that many who might otherwise choose to follow Jesus refuse to do so because they’ve believed a distorted concept of Christianity! I wrote this book because I want believers to embrace the grace of God and to be changed by it. I want non-believers to get past the myth that to be eligible for salvation, they must prove themselves “good enough.” For more info: www.makingspaceforgrace.com/

]]>Weir: David Johnson running for Flower Mound Councilhttps://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2020/03/10/weir-david-johnson-running-for-flower-mound-council/
Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:56:35 +0000https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/?p=45085The Flower Mound Town Council election season is underway and voters will have to select their leaders for Place 2 and 5 in the May 2nd election. There are 2 candidates running for Place 2 and 2 candidates for Place 5. David Johnson, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission is running for Place 2 ...

The Flower Mound Town Council election season is underway and voters will have to select their leaders for Place 2 and 5 in the May 2nd election. There are 2 candidates running for Place 2 and 2 candidates for Place 5. David Johnson, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission is running for Place 2 against Sandeep Sharma, the incumbent. We will undoubtedly be receiving many literature mail pieces describing the contenders for those offices. The purpose of these video interviews is to allow voters to see and hear directly from the candidates before going to the polls. My questions are directly related to the issues most Flower Mound residents are concerned with. Videos only run between 8 and 10 minutes, which is long enough to cover salient topics. The following bio was sent by Mr. Johnson.

“David Johnson, long-time, active resident of Flower Mound, announced his intent to run for Flower Mound Town Council Place 2. Mr. Johnson is originally from the Midwest and is a 25-year resident of Flower Mound. He has a 32-year career in finance and banking, is married, and has two adult children. Mr. Johnson has been active in Flower Mound for many years in several capacities. His involvement includes community and charity-based activities for more than 20 years. • Flower Mound Planning & Zoning Commissioner – 10 yrs, currently Chairman • Habitat for Humanity of Denton County – 3 yrs, currently Board President • United Way of Denton County Project Blue Print Graduate – 2019.

“Active Rotarian for 10+ years, currently with Cross Timbers Rotary • Wellington HOA Board of Directors – 6 yrs and several Officer Positions • Cross Timbers YMCA Board – 10 yrs, Board Chairman for 3 years • Flower Mound Summit Club Member – 10 yrs • LISD Facilities Advisory Committee 2016-2017 • Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce Leadership Graduate • Grapevine Chamber Young Entrepreneurs Mentor • Active in several area Chambers of Commerce These are characteristics that exhibit the ability to learn in different situations, work well with a variety of people, and lead in different parts of our community. These are important leadership qualifications to help move Flower Mound into the future and to improve our quality of life.”

]]>Weir: Ann Martin running for Flower Mound Town Councilhttps://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2020/02/28/weir-ann-martin-running-for-flower-mound-town-council/
Fri, 28 Feb 2020 18:03:35 +0000https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/?p=44900Now that the primary elections are coming to a close, local plebiscites will take the spotlight until the May 2nd Election in the towns and cities of Denton County. Flower Mound has two seats on the Council being challenged by opponents. Ann Martin is running against Place 5 Councilman Claudio Forest, who was elected to ...

Now that the primary elections are coming to a close, local plebiscites will take the spotlight until the May 2nd Election in the towns and cities of Denton County.

Flower Mound has two seats on the Council being challenged by opponents. Ann Martin is running against Place 5 Councilman Claudio Forest, who was elected to a 3-year term in 2017. Ms. Martin sat for an interview to tell residents about herself and why she decided to throw her hat in the ring. In addition, she sent the following short bio:

“Originally drawn to North Texas in 1997 for career opportunities, Ann quickly realized Flower Mound would be the perfect place to live. Ann’s greatest joy has been the privilege of being mom to Joseph (now 24 years old). Over the years, Ann has contributed in a number of different school and community roles:

Friends of the Flower Mound Public Library: Board member since 2009, President since 2012.

Financial/Material Donations: CCA, Denton County Friends of the Family, CASA Denton County, Ranch-Hand Rescue, North Texas Warrior Golf Association, Wounded Warrior Project, The Friends of the Flower Mound Public Library.

“Employment: Liberty Mutual Insurance (30+ years), Sr. Service Director, Risk Control Services; work with Fortune 500 and 100 Customers to design, develop and deliver Risk Control (Safety) Service Plans to reduce or eliminate hazards that contribute to accidents and injuries.

“Ann’s vision for Flower Mound is grounded in the Town’s Vision Statement: “to preserve our unique country atmosphere, heritage and quality of life while cultivating a dynamic economic environment.” She looks forward to hearing from you and earning your vote! Ways to engage:

Lewisville ISD Board Member Kronda Thimesch is a Republican candidate running for election to the Texas House in District 65 in the March 3rd GOP primary. On Monday, Ms. Thimesch received the coveted endorsement of Texas Governor Greg Abbott during a special reception at Bistecca Italian Steakhouse in Highland Village.

Master Chef Morris Salerno, owner of the upscale restaurant, closed it on Monday in order to accommodate the attendees. Some of the most delectable hors d’oeuvres in the Metroplex were served during the filled-to-capacity reception, which included a who’s who of North Texas politics.

Governor Abbot was quoted as saying, “I am proud to endorse Kronda Thimesch for State Representative of House District 65 and I know that she will be an extraordinary leader for the people of Denton County. Kronda is a proven conservative leader in her community and she understands what it takes to uphold the values that make Texas exceptional. I look forward to working alongside Kronda as we create an even better future for all Texans.”

After photo opportunities with hundreds of guests in a private room of the famous bistro, the Governor met with a wall-to-wall gathering of cheering supporters in the outer room. Former District 65 House member Ron Simmons set the stage for Abbott and Thimesch with an exciting and articulate array of reasons for electing Kronda. Then, with many elected officials by his side, including Kronda, State Reps. Tan Parker and Lynn Stuckey, Denton County Sheriff Tracy Murphree, Denton County Judge Andy Eads, Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell and several other notables, Abbott gave a laudable tribute to Ms. Thimesch.

“Kronda is an education leader, which is so important because she understands that the future of Texas is going to be shaped by the quality of the job we do in our schools,” he said. Texas ranks 3rd in the United States of America with the highest high school graduation rate,” he added. “When we have Kronda working with us in the Texas House we’ll be working to make Texas number one. As a mother, Kronda is passionate about making communities safe. That’s why she supports our crackdown on gangs and our commitment to secure our border and keep America safe,” Abbot said to tumultuous applause from the SRO crowd. “Kronda will work with me to ensure that Texas never becomes a sanctuary state like California and New York.”

Ms. Thimesch has been endorsed by more than 400 notables from across North Texas as she vies for the Republican nomination in the March 3rd GOP primary. Early voting ends February 28. For more information on Kronda and her candidacy, please click on her website: www.krondafortexas.com.

]]>Weir: Ryan Williams running for Denton County Commissionerhttps://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2020/02/10/weir-ryan-williams-running-for-denton-county-commissioner/
Mon, 10 Feb 2020 18:02:20 +0000https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/?p=44561Well folks, we’re inching closer to the March 3rd primary, also known as “Super Tuesday.” There are many candidates throughout the county running for the Republican nomination. One of them is Ryan Williams, running for Denton County Commissioner in Precinct One. Mr. Williams’ opponent is incumbent Hugh Coleman, who is running for his 4th four-year ...

Well folks, we’re inching closer to the March 3rd primary, also known as “Super Tuesday.” There are many candidates throughout the county running for the Republican nomination. One of them is Ryan Williams, running for Denton County Commissioner in Precinct One. Mr. Williams’ opponent is incumbent Hugh Coleman, who is running for his 4th four-year term. Mr. Williams sat for an interview to explain why he’s running and what he will do for the county residents if elected. In addition, he sent the following short bio:

“Ryan Williams is a conservative Christian, family man, successful businessman, youth sports coach and law enforcement officer. Ryan was raised in Denton County and has spent most of his life here. Ryan is happily married to his wife Amber and they have a 14 year old son named Cole. They live in Sanger, Texas. Ryan learned to compete in sports as a child, and continued to play sports at a high level through high school and college. From the time Ryan was a child, he wanted to be a law enforcement officer, and began police ride-alongs at the age of 15.

“Ryan went to work as a sales rep in the medical industry out of college and quickly became the top ranked sales rep and eventually a sales manager. Ryan would go on to become CEO of Williams Surgical Specialties, which eventually became Priority One, and the company was one of the leading medical device and repair companies in the US. Ryan sold the company in 2017, and retired.

“Ryan has been a non-paid, reserve police officer for the last 18 years in Denton County, and very much enjoys serving the public. Ryan and his wife Amber love to be on their ranch with their assortment of almost 70 animals, and are active with their son’s sports. They are heavily involved in giving back to charity, and in 2019 started a 501C3 called Honoring Our Heroes of Denton County, which helps law enforcement officers and their families who have been injured or in need. Ryan is seeking to become a Full Time County Commissioner for Precinct 1, which covers a portion of Denton County.”